Kenya: First Lady’s Project Gets $1.1 Million Boost Ahead of Race

First Lady’s Project Gets $1.1 Million Boost Ahead of Race

With the funds already raised in kind and cash, the remaining 11 counties will be able to access essential health support.

First Lady Margaret Kenyatta’s project aimed at supporting counties with mobile, well-stocked health facilities to cater for women and children, on Wednesday got a major boost of more than Sh113 million ($1.1M) in cash and kind donations from private and public organizations.

The 3rd First Lady Half Marathon event scheduled for March 6 is set to raise more funds to support the Beyond Zero campaign. These funds will be used to implement activities for the Beyond Zero Initiative set to transform lives of women and children in all 47 counties in Kenya.

With the funds already raised in kind and cash, the remaining 11 counties will be able to access essential health support. So far, 36 out of the 47 counties have received the mobile clinics kit.

Financial institutions and other corporate organizations support the noble cause

On Wednesday, the First Lady received donations from various institutions ranging from financial organizations, energy providers, communication firms, among other corporate establishments. She received cash donations adding to Sh28 million.

Media houses pledge up to Sh84 million

Media houses decided to pledge more than Sh84 million worth of advertising space. Mediamax Networks pledged Sh25.2 million and Royal Media Services pledged Sh25 million of advertising space, Nation Media Group (Sh13 million). Capital Group and Kass FM donated Sh10.9 million and Sh7 million respectively while the Standard Group pledged Sh5 million.

According to a statement by the office of the First Lady, the sponsorship by media houses will go a long way in creating awareness of the Beyond Zero campaign and driving the First Lady’s half-marathon registration that targets 70,000 participants, more than double last year’s runners.

Hospitals and emergency service providers offer medical support

Apart from providing emergency services through 20 ambulances during the marathon, Kenya Red Cross Society will send 100 participants to take part in the marathon.

“Kenya Red Cross is proud to be in your team. What you are doing is amazing and you are making our work easier. You are a chief humanitarian supporter” said Ms Ng’ong’o.

On the other hand, the Aga Khan Hospital offered to give 200 free radiation therapy services in support of the First Lady’s Beyond Zero initiative.

Through their Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Shawn Bolouki, the Aga Khan Hospital also pledged to donate a fully kitted mobile clinic in time for the launch of the marathon.

Thanking the donors and well-wishers, Mrs Kenyatta assured them that their support will go a long way in helping achieve the goals of the Beyond Zero initiative.

“When you go to the ground you feel what is going on, I have been to most counties and the mobile clinics we have donated are doing a great job but clinics will never be enough,” said the First Lady.” My biggest dream is to build a Beyond Zero hospital for women and children as well as revamp existing hospitals around the country.”

The First Lady said her clarion call to corporate and well-wishers is “Adopt a Ward”. She continues to train for the event that is due in two weeks.